The Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) declared on Friday that it has lifted the temporary ban on imports of pork and other swine products from Spain, following its recognition of Spain’s regionalization measures against African Swine Fever (ASF).
The DA said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel has issued Department Circular No. 22, which effectively lifts the restriction on pork imports from Spain.
Regionalization refers to a system that confines disease outbreaks to specific zones within a country, rather than enforcing nationwide trade restrictions, in accordance with international veterinary guidelines.
The new directive permits the resumption of pork meat, pig skin, and other swine by-products, under sanitary protocols agreed upon by Manila and Madrid.
The Department of Agriculture said the Philippines had earlier imposed a temporary ban on pork imports from Spain in 2024 through Department of Agriculture Memorandum Order No. 75, following ASF cases reported in parts of Europe. The move was part of stricter border measures aimed at protecting the domestic hog industry.
Meanwhile, under the updated directive, all imports from Spain must adhere to bilateral import agreements, Philippine quarantine rules, and the provisions of Administrative Circular No. 12 series of 2025, which outlines the framework for recognizing ASF regionalization among approved trading partners.
In addition, the Bureau of Animal Industry said its assessment found that Spain has adequate veterinary supervision and disease-control systems in place, helping minimize the risk of African Swine Fever transmission through imported pork products.
“Allowing imports from properly regulated and monitored areas in Spain helps diversify our pork sources while maintaining strict animal health standards,” the Agriculture Chief stated.
The order took effect immediately and will remain valid until it is later amended or revoked.
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